In House Testing

Heavy Metal Testing

Our ever changing environment means we are exposed to metals through environment, lifestyle, diet, medications and workplaces. With manufacturing plants keeping up with the growing population comes industrial exposure, air and water pollution, machinery repairs and maintenance with the list ongoing. Take a moment to think of the substances one comes exposed to when working in a coal mine, motor mechanic, a cleaner or even cycling. Living in an older home with copper pipes or lead paint on the walls may cause toxicity over a period of time too.

There are multi-facet reasons to why metal testing may be applicable to your better health journey.

These harmful substances may accumulate in the soft tissues of the body resulting in mild to chronic illnesses such as

Fatigue

Headaches

Depression

Infertility

Hypertension

Digestive issues

Autoimmune diseases

Our quick, non-invasive multi-metal test is done within the clinic with results shown and explained within minutes. Â Metals tested for are cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc. If a test results in a positive our Naturopath will design a detoxification program for you.

Zinc Tally Test

It is estimated that 90% of the population is zinc deficient and zinc deficiencies are more common with men. You may want to test your zinc if; you have imbalanced hormones, maldigestion, prostate problems, low adrenal function, infertility problems, weak hair, skin or nails, white spots on the nails, very dry skin, low appetite, are interested in zinc as an antioxidant, are supplementing with zinc and want to make sure that you are on the appropriate dosage.

How the test is done

This taste test uses 10ml of liquid containing 10mg of zinc sulphate heptahydrate. This solution is held and swished around in the mouth for 10 seconds. The taste experienced by the person doing the test is based on the level of zinc in their taste buds. The taste will range from no taste (like water) to a strong bitter taste. If there is no taste swallow the liquid, as it is a good source of zinc. If the taste is unpleasant, spit it out as if swallowed the bitter taste will worsen.

Results

1. Zinc deficiency – no taste at all

2. Inadequate zinc levels – no immediate taste but after a few seconds mouth may feel dry, furry or metallic

A score of 1 or 2 requires zinc supplementation. It is not recommended to use more than 50mg of zinc daily, if unsupervised by a nutritionally based health care provider or if you are not also supplementing with other minerals to keep balance in the body. If you change or begin a supplementation regime due to the results from this test, it is advised to retest 4 weeks later to check results.

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)?

HTMA is a safe and non-invasive pathology test. It measures the levels and comparative ratios of nutrient and toxic minerals found in hair.

HTMA is regarded by many doctors, naturopaths and nutritional therapists as one of the most valuable screening tools available in everyday and preventative health care.

Why test for minerals?

Minerals are essential for growth, healing, vitality and wellbeing. They provide structural support in bones and teeth, and they maintain the body’s pH and water balance, nerve activity, muscle contractions, energy production and enzyme reactions. They are the basic ‘spark plugs’ of life.

Ideally we should get all the minerals we need from a balanced diet. Unfortunately today this is rarely possible. Modern farming techniques, fertilisers and depleted soils reduce the mineral content of foods. Environmental pollutants, chemical food additives and stressful lifestyles also have a detrimental effect on our nutritional status.

Many health conditions are aggravated by mineral imbalances and toxic metal excesses, including cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, migraines, learning difficulties and hyperactivity in children, to name just a few.

Consequently, we need to test and monitor our nutritional status more than ever.

Benefits of HTMA

1. Safe, scientific, non-invasive pathology test.

2. Reliable data on more than 35 nutrient and toxic minerals, and over 25 important mineral ratios.

3. Valuable health information often not revealed in standard blood and urine tests.

4. Discovery of nutrient mineral imbalances or toxic mineral excesses that may be affecting your health.